Tanis, the team’s leading hitter last season, will play shortstop and catcher. Reau will also catch and play outfield, while Demanski will join her in the outfield.

Sophomore infielders Abbey Meinert and Ella Nighswander are back after missing time with injuries last season. Laura Reau will pitch and play infield, while Brittany Ost and Jackie Gotz will compete for starting spots.

“We were plagued with a lot of injuries last year and are hoping those that are back will make an immediate impact,” BD coach Leslie Tanis said. “We play in a tough conference, so we have our work cut out for us to compete.”

CLINTON: The Redskins take aim at their seventh consecutive TCC championship with a talented and more experienced roster.

Last season, a young Clinton team went 30-6 (11-1 TCC), won three of its four tournaments and captured a district championship before falling to eventual state champion Dundee in the regional round.

Seniors Kris Forest (third base), Elizabeth Barkel (first base) and Melissa Dowell (left field) will lead the team both offensively and defensively. All three are four-year varsity players.

"We are returning with a lot more confidence and experience this year," Clinton coach Kim Phillip said. "Using 'no excuse' for being so young. We are planning on having a great year with a talented group of girls."

MADISON: The Trojans posted 19 wins last season and look to continue their steady improvement this spring.

"Very excited about the season," Madison coach Krissy Threet said. "We have a young, but very talented team. We are returning a few key upperclassmen to lead us this season."

Hilton will do a majority of the pitching for the Bulldogs. McCowan, VanBrandt, Double and Price are working to fill the back-up spot.

"We will be trying several players at several positions until final decisions are made for the heart of the season," Morenci coach Kay Johnson said. "Our speed will be a bit better than the past few years, but may be less in the power department with weaker sophomores and freshmen in the lineup."

SAND CREEK: The Aggies have one of the youngest rosters in the county, featuring several sophomores that will see playing time. Sand Creek is hoping to build on last year’s 10-12 overall finish (8-6 TCC).